I have a group of abut 40 new soldiers (average age about 20, range 17-50) that I need to whip into shape. My main goal is not to break anybody but to get them stronger in 3 weeks. Week 4 will be a field exercise and they will need to be strong. Typically most training injuries involve knees, ankles and shoulders, so my main focus will be stability of those joints. Twice a week (Tues & Thurs) I plan to use weightload marches with progressively longer duration. 2 other days (Mon & Fri) are already programmed. Once a week (Weds) I plan to do some sandbag work since I can't get 40 people into a gym at once. I have about an hour including warmup and cooldown. This is my proposed plan for that day:

Edit: I should add that the sandbags are just normal army style bags (flood bags) that weight about 30-40 lbs.

_________________Stu Ward_________________Let thy food be thy medicine, and thy medicine be thy food.~HippocratesStrength is the adaptation that leads to all other adaptations that you really care about - Charles Staley_________________Thanks TimD

Good exercise, but pretty hard to get right. The balance component is hard enough using a barbell, let alone a sandbag. I just think that if you've only got 3 weeks there's too much learning involved with that particular exercise, so you'd be better off with something easier to master. Maybe step ups with the bag on the shoulders instead? Still unilateral, still hip extension, much easier to do.

Just my [1 million dollars].02. Other than that I think it looks good, although having never done anything like this I don't really expect my opinion to count for much...

Thanks, I can't do step ups since this will be in the middle of a grassy field, not even any decent hills around. I'm also thinking of adding bear crawls, maybe in the warmup.

The "Split stand to split sit to split stand" is harder than they sound. It's a MovNat exercise. It should be good for some laughs. That's why it's at the end.

_________________Stu Ward_________________Let thy food be thy medicine, and thy medicine be thy food.~HippocratesStrength is the adaptation that leads to all other adaptations that you really care about - Charles Staley_________________Thanks TimD

RDLs are easier with a single hand weighted than with a barbell--it helps to counter balance the body. I'd keep them.

But, Stu, why is a supply sergeant doing physical training for new soldiers? New job?

I'm not a supply sergeant, never have been. I was always Transport but I commissioned 10 years ago. I'm a course officer right now. My staff job is over so I'm doing what I can until the next long term job. Long term is relative. I hit compulsory Retirement in 3 years.

_________________Stu Ward_________________Let thy food be thy medicine, and thy medicine be thy food.~HippocratesStrength is the adaptation that leads to all other adaptations that you really care about - Charles Staley_________________Thanks TimD

No, it's just this summer. I have to find a new task for Sept. I'll find something.

_________________Stu Ward_________________Let thy food be thy medicine, and thy medicine be thy food.~HippocratesStrength is the adaptation that leads to all other adaptations that you really care about - Charles Staley_________________Thanks TimD

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